Improving Access to Institutional Mental Health Care Act

This bill removes a longstanding Medicaid barrier that excluded coverage for mental health care in specialized hospitals (IMDs) for people under age 65. It amends the Social Security Act to eliminate age restrictions in key Medicaid provisions, allowing Medicaid to cover institutional mental health services for all adults, regardless of age. Specifically, it strikes out "65 years of age or older" from multiple sections governing Medicaid eligibility and benefits for IMD care. The change takes effect on October 1, 2025, directly expanding access to Medicaid-covered mental health hospital care for younger adults currently excluded.